Sunday, May 15, 2016

Correlates of Sexual Violence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Tijuana, Mexico

Sexual violence among men who
have sex with men (MSM) is prevalent in developing countries and is associated
with increasedHIV/STI risk. Despite highHIVprevalence
(20 %) among MSM in Tijuana, Mexico, little attention has been paid to the
occurrence of sexual violence in this high-risk group.

The present study used a
syndemic conditions framework to examine correlates of sexual violence
victimization in a sample of 201 MSM surveyed in Tijuana, Mexico during 2012
and 2013. Participants were recruited through respondent-driven sampling and
underwent a 2-h baseline interview and testing forHIVand
syphilis. Sexual violence was defined as any incident during the past year in
which the participant had been raped, sexually molested, or sexually harassed.

The majority of participants self-identified as gay or bisexual, had never
married, were employed, and had a high school education or greater. The average
age was 29.7 years. Thirty-nine percent reported sexual violence in the
past year. A hierarchical multiple linear regression model predicting more
experiences of sexual violence was tested. In a final model, a higher number of
experiences of sexual violence was associated with a history of childhood
sexual abuse, more adult experiences of homophobia, more depression and
hostility symptoms, and not living with a spouse or steady partner.

The
findings from this study support a model of co-occurring psychosocial factors
that increase the likelihood of sexual violence experiences among MSM.
Multi-level approaches to the prevention of childhood and adult experiences of
sexual violence and homophobia are needed to avert the development of adverse
mental and physical health outcomes associated with sexual violence
victimization.